Emerson resigns Congressional seat Tuesday

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) this morning sent a letter of resignation to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and notified the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives that today will be her last day serving in Congress.

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By Staff reports

The Rolla Daily News - Rolla, MO

By Staff reports

Posted Jan. 22, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Updated Jan 22, 2013 at 4:58 PM

By Staff reports

Posted Jan. 22, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Updated Jan 22, 2013 at 4:58 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) this morning sent a letter of resignation to Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and notified the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives that today will be her last day serving in Congress.

“I am honored to serve the people of the Eighth Congressional District since 1996. They are an outstanding example of the very best our American communities have to offer: smart, strong citizens who are always ready to lead,” Emerson said. “At a time when the popularity of Congress hovers in the single digits, it has never been more important for us to instill their virtues in our elected representatives. Congress is the branch of government closest to the people. We must strive to make it representative of us and our national desire to accomplish great things together.

“Tomorrow, I will once again be a constituent of Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District. I hope and pray that all we have worked to accomplish will be upheld by the public servants who follow in Bill Emerson’s footsteps and in mine. To us, the people of this district have always come before politics. That philosophy of service remains the only way to get good things done on behalf of Southern Missouri and the nation.”

The text of Emerson’s letters of resignation to Gov. Nixon and Speaker Boehner is attached:

The Honorable Jeremiah W. Nixon

Governor of Missouri

Jefferson City, MO

Governor Nixon:

I write to inform you that I will resign my seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, effective 11:59 p.m., January 22, 2013.

Serving Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District for 17 years has been an incredible honor, a welcome challenge, and a deeply rewarding endeavor. I count myself as incredibly fortunate to have represented Americans who are so passionate about the principles of service and community. Our democracy is in good hands thanks to the talent, dedication and civic pride of the proud Americans working every day to improve our Nation and its prospects.

I commend the citizens of my District to you, and I assure you that my trust in the People remains well-placed with those I have had the honor of representing.

Very sincerely,

JO ANN EMERSON

The Honorable John Boehner

Speaker of the House

Washington, DC

Speaker Boehner:

I write to inform you that I have notified Missouri Governor Jeremiah Nixon of my resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, effective 11:59 p.m., January 22, 2013.

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Serving the Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to represent Southern Missouri, to bring the ideas of the people to our Capitol, and to be part of our democracy. I have always emphasized the same virtues of the people who sent me here: civility, hard work, integrity and love for our neighbors. I deeply appreciate the way our House of Representatives reflects these important parts of life in our great Nation.

I’m grateful beyond words for the members of my staff, our committees and my fellow colleagues in Congress for their service, guidance and friendship. So many talented individuals work to ensure the House of Representatives reflects the voice and will of the People, and most Americans never see the men and women working long hours to advance policy, to support debate and to conduct meaningful oversight.

Finally, I have to thank the constituents of the Eighth Congressional District. In times of tragedy, they have inspired me with their courage. In times of disaster, they have inspired me with their resilience. In times of uncertainty, they have inspired with me their unwavering optimism. I have been honored to fight by their side. I am very proud of what we have accomplished.